Personal reflections on mercy

by Fr. Lito Jopson

These past days have been spirit-filled for me as I participated and covered the events that happened at the Fourth World Apostolic Congress on Mercy held in the Philippines this 16 - 20 January 2017.

One cannot fathom the implications of God's mercy in our lives and how we can be instruments of mercy.

As God is pure "hesed" (mercy), so too we are called to incarnate mercy in us.

In order to live in mercy, we need to be in communion with God who is the source of mercy and to one another in an unconditional bond of love.  This builds us as Church.

Mercy is as concrete as smiling to others to being generous to others, especially the poor, suffering, homeless, defenseless, and wayward enslaved
by vices.

Union with God and with one another is the most compelling force of mercy.

With communion, it is almost easy to give the self, sell everything one has, or devote time, talent, and treasure.

At this point it is important to make an honest inventory of self.  What do I have in terms of time, talent, and treasure to be allotted for the works of mercy?

Also, notice the fruits of mercy in others – are people smiling? helped? improving their lives?  This is the work of mercy.  Before I even start the work of mercy, can I see the profound effect of mercy in my brothers and sisters?

Mercy is something that affects our mind, body, and spirit.  The more merciful we are, the more we obtain mercy for our bodies (health), mind (soundness), spirit (grace).

Action: which are the most engaging activities can we do to harness healthy minds, bodies, and spirits?

The best way to spread mercy is to live it.

Being merciful starts with remembering that God has been merciful to us first.

Mercy is speaking and upholding the truth and the rights of human beings to life.

Mercy is not series of sporadic actions of giving.  Rather, it is a way of life formed by inspiration and commitment.

Mercy is now witnessing. The kingdom of God is now.

Mercy is the poor also contributing to the enrichment of the gospel.  It is sharing in God’s blessings even in the midst of personal sufferings and pain.

To proclaim mercy is dangerous.  But Jesus assures us, “I will be with you until the end of time.”